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CMA Music Festival stars sign their appreciation to fans

Carrie Underwood poses for USA TODAY at the 2013 CMA Music Festival in June. ABC will air a three hour special featuring performances from the four night concert series on Monday night, August 12. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

The annual CMA Music Festival has a long tradition of country stars signing autographs for fans and USA TODAY asked the headliners to send out a message to them. Carrie Underwood had a straightforward message of admiration for country fans. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

The Band Perry members share a Very Perry Chocolate Cherry cupcake. The collaboration between the group and Nashville-based bakery Gigi's Cupcakes boasts maraschino cherries in a vanilla cupcake
coated with heaps of chocolate frosting. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Little Big Town is serving as the hosts for the televised special. Consequently, “We’ve had these pants on for the last two nights and have
two more nights to go,” Kimberly Schlapman told reporters on Saturday. Karen Fairchild, left, Jimi Westbrook, Schlapman and Phillip Sweet pose in USA TODAY's studio.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Dierks Bentley gets a little sideways during his photo shoot. He told reporters at the nightly news conference, “CMA Fest is like
nothing else in this world. It even shocks me and I’ve been here 20 years.”
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

At the news conference Zac Brown spoke of one of his label's artists, “I’m not gonna say this … can I say it? Blackberry Smoke is the (stuff.) It’s real southern rock. Charlie [Starr] is one of my favorite guitar players in the world.” Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Jason Mraz appears on 'Encore.' At the nightly news conference Hayes told reporters, “I’ve always been a
fan of Jason’s. We talked about writing in the future, and the next thing I knew
was I had live tracks in my in-box.”
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Making his debut arena appearance, Moore told reporters, "I never wanted to be one of these artists where you knew what was coming. ... Stick with me and I will take you places."
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Talking about the success of his latest album, 'Set You Free,' Allan told reporters, “I never pick the
singles. I’d rather them (the fans) pick the singles that can get to No. 1.”
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

With Bush and Sugarland partner Jennifer Nettles taking a break from each other, Bush said "I'm on a prolific (writing) bender right now for some reason. I have enough music to release a song every week for four years." Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Tracy Lawrence sent out a heartfelt "#tracy loves you" but got a little off message, initially misstating the release date of his upcoming album 'Headlights, Taillights and Radios.' The album will be out on Aug. 20. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Speaking of the Festival, Tracy Lawrence told reporters, "Back in the day CMA Fest was hillbilly-er. This has turned into a marquee event for Nashville. I think the city has done a great job" Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Of their CMA Music Festival experience Maisy told reporters at the nightly news conference, “I was just in shock because we’re not used to being stopped
by people. And asking for autographs, it's just like, they actually want me to
write my name on a piece of paper?” Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

While the rest of The Oak Ridge Boys sent warm greetings to their fans: William Lee Golden, left, seemed to have a question on his mind. The rest of the vocal quartet are Richard Sterban, Joe Bonsall and Duane Allen. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Brett Eldridge told reporters, “I got to sing the national anthem at LP Field, which was
the first song I ever learned. It was cool to do that and remember that time to
see it come full circle.”
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

At the nightly news conference Deejay SIlver told reporters "Just to play and not get booed is awesome!" and while DJ'ing and country might seem an unlikely combination Silver offered as his bona fides,"I remember dancing with my mom to Dolly Parton.”
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Members of the Robertson family, of 'Duck Dynasty' fame, were on hand to promote their upcoming Christmas album. “This weekend we had a little competition so each member had
to find a way to announce our record and we had a few little stunts. Jase had a
big snow globe, and then Willie did a whole Santa stunt on Broadway. It was
impressive,” Korie Robertson told the media.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY